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Best Pillows for Snoring
While there is no reliable cure for snoring, some adjustments may help reduce it. Purchasing a pillow for snoring is often one of the first attempts sleepers make to find relief since this option is usually affordable and convenient.
For many individuals, snoring is affected by sleep position. A pillow that sufficiently lifts the upper body may help reduce airway compression from the head falling back due to an unsupportive pillow or being pushed too far forward by a pillow that’s excessively thick and/or firm.
We’ll share some of the best pillows for snoring and explain how they may help. We’ll also examine factors that could influence which pillow may be best for your snoring, explore possible causes of the condition, and provide other potential ways to reduce snoring.
The Best Pillows for Snoring
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Best Overall
Saatva Latex Pillow
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Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
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Best for Side Sleepers
Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
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Most Comfortable
Silk & Snow Pillow
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Best Wedge Pillow
Helix Wedge Pillow
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Best Neck Support
Bear Pillow
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Best Smart Pillow
Nitetronic Z6 Smart Anti-Snore Pillow
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Best for Neck Pain
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
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Best for Spinal Alignment
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
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Best Adjustable Loft
Layla Kapok Pillow
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In-Depth Reviews
The Saatva Latex Pillow features a supportive core and plush fiber fill in the outer chamber, creating a soft surface for your head and neck without too much sink when weight is applied. You can separate the inner and outer pillows and use them separately if you find a lower profile more comfortable, or combine them for a high-loft design ideal for side sleeping.
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Pros
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Blend of shredded latex and down alternative provides a plush yet supportive feel
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Lofty design is well suited to side, back, and combination sleepers
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Inner and outer pillows can be separated to adjust the profile
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Cons
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Frequent fluffing may be needed if you use the microfiber outer chamber
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Somewhat expensive compared to the competition
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Price Range
$165 – $185
Fill
Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative
Firmness
Medium Soft
Thanks to its three-part design, the Saatva Latex Pillow gives back sleepers the power to add or remove components to achieve the best loft for their snoring.
The core consists of shredded Talalay latex that combines support, shape retention, responsiveness, and breathability to help keep the spine aligned without retaining a lot of heat. This piece fits into an outer plush layer of down-like microdenier fiber encased in a cotton shell, which adds cushioning and loft while enhancing the breathability. A cotton pillow cover zips over these layers.
Both the microdenier fiber layer and cover are removable and machine-washable. Owners can configure their pillow however they like, whether that involves combining all three pieces or using the Talalay core and microdenier fiber layers separately.
When fully assembled, the pillow has a medium soft feel that may be most comfortable for individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds. Snorers who weigh more than 230 pounds may not get enough support to prevent their head from slumping down and increasing pressure on the airway.
The Saatva Latex Pillow is available in queen and king sizes. It comes with a 45-day return policy, during which customers can return the product for a full refund of the purchase price if they decide it’s not right for them.
Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Use this link for the most current Brooklyn Bedding discounts
Shop NowBrooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is a steal for budget shoppers — the sticker price falls well below average, while the expected lifespan is at least three years. People who snore can really benefit from the thick loft and buoyant latex core, which lifts the head and neck to keep the airway open.
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Pros
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Solid latex props up the head and supports the neck
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Ventilated core and moisture-wicking cover help ensure excellent cooling
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Two loft options to accommodate different sleep positions
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Cons
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May not contour deeply enough for people who prefer foam pillows
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Both profiles are potentially too thick for stomach sleepers
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Price Range
$89 – $99
Fill
Talalay latex
Firmness
Medium Firm
Many leading pillows for people who snore are on the expensive side, but Brooklyn Bedding bucks this trend with the Talalay Latex Pillow. The core contains a single piece of solid latex, which provides gentle cushioning without the deep hug of memory foam. Latex is also highly buoyant, allowing your head to remain aloft with your airway open while your neck receives proper support.
The latex is ventilated with small holes to promote circulation throughout the pillow’s core. This reduces heat absorption and helps you sleep at a comfortable temperature. Another cooling component is the cover made of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived fabric known for excellent breathability and moisture wicking. You can remove the cover and machine-wash as needed to keep the pillow clean.
Brooklyn Bedding offers two loft options. During hands-on tests, side sleepers on our team found the thicker 5-inch profile more comfortable. Side sleepers often need extra padding to cushion the area between their head and downward-facing shoulder — this promotes proper alignment and prevents pressure buildup in the neck and shoulders. Our back sleepers preferred the 4-inch pillow, which elevated the head just enough to keep their airway open without causing neck strain. Both pillows were too thick for most of our stomach sleepers, though some didn’t mind the lower-loft design as much.
In addition to its approachable sticker price, the Talalay Latex Pillow qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a 30-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the pillow after the return period ends, Brooklyn Bedding further backs your purchase with a three-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
The Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper- is ergonomically shaped and packed with cushy, responsive fill. This helpful design ensures proper neck support and comfy elevation for your head, and you can adjust the fill to achieve your ideal loft.
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Pros
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Specifically designed for side sleepers
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Shoulder cut-out improves comfort and spinal alignment
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Shredded fill provides a highly moldable sleep surface
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Cons
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Nailing down your ideal loft level may require some trial and error
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Combination sleepers may not feel as comfortable in the back or stomach positions
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Price
$131
Fill
75% Latex and 25% Polyester Fiber
Firmness
Medium, Adjustable
The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow’s unique U-shape is specially designed to promote proper spinal alignment for side sleepers, which may also limit airway compression that could cause snoring.
Shredded latex and polyester make up the fill for a plush, supportive, highly moldable surface. The fill is encased in an interior liner, and an outer cover consisting of cotton, polyester, and spandex goes over it. This cover is removable and machine-washable in cold water. Both the fill and cover materials let air circulate to limit heat buildup and help the sleeper maintain a more comfortable temperature.
Owners can customize the firmness of the Side-Sleeper Pillow by unzipping it and adding or removing fill to achieve the desired firmness, support, and loft. Unmodified, the pillow has a medium feel. However, if this is not firm enough, you can request additional fill for a fee. Snorers can test out different fill levels until they find the solution that works best for them.
Customers that are not satisfied with the pillow can return it for the first 45 days for a full refund of the purchase price. A 5-year warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, including issues like the stitching coming undone and the fabric fraying or ripping.
Most Comfortable
Silk & Snow Pillow
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Shop NowThe Silk & Snow Pillow contains shredded memory foam you can add or remove to adjust how thick and firm it feels. People who snore are likely to prefer full volume and high loft — especially if they sleep on their sides.
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Pros
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Adjustable design lets you customize the firmness and loft
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Memory foam and down alternative fill balance plushness and support
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Breathable cover reduces heat retention
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Cons
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Finding your optimal loft and firmness level may take some time
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Supplemental fill is not available for purchase
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Price Range
$75 – $85
Fill
Shredded memory foam core with down alternative microfiber outer chamber
Firmness
Medium
The Silk & Snow Pillow has a dual-chamber design that offers plushness without sacrificing support. The result is beneficial for sleepers who frequently wake up with aches or pain in the neck.
The pillow has a medium feel and features a core composed of shredded memory foam, which is known for its adaptive properties. The core is surrounded by an outer layer of down alternative microfiber that creates a fluffy, cradling surface for your head and neck. You may remove or add memory foam as needed to achieve your ideal loft. This adjustable design makes the pillow a strong option for all back and side sleepers, since they can customize the thickness to a height that feels comfortable for their head and neck.
The shell is made of 100% cotton that is machine-washable using a cold-water cycle and low dryer setting. The shredded composition of the foam and breathability of the cotton allow air to flow through the pillow, so hot sleepers who normally overheat on foam pillows should find this model reasonably comfortable.
The pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and is also backed by a three-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces.
If you’re prone to heavy snoring, the Helix Wedge Pillow should provide enough elevation to raise your head and expand your airway. Firm, solid foam provides excellent support and shouldn’t sink too much when weight is applied.
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Pros
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Gentle wedge slope elevates the upper body, reducing airway compression
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Strong shape retention and a medium firm feel
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Wedge shape is most conducive to back sleeping
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Cons
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Foam may absorb and trap heat to an uncomfortable degree
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Strong off-gassing smells are likely for the first few nights
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Price
$109
Fill
Gel Memory Foam and Polyfoam
Firmness
Medium Firm
The Helix Wedge Pillow lifts the upper body while conforming to the sleeper’s shape to reduce airway compression from gravity without creating sharp pressure points.
This pillow measures 24 inches by 24 inches by 10 inches and uses a classic triangular wedge design. It has a medium firm feel and is constructed of a layer of gel memory foam and a layer of polyfoam to mold to the body without allowing excessive sinkage. A rayon and polyester blend cover allows air to circulate into the pillow so that heat can escape. This cover can be removed and washed in a machine to keep the surface fresh.
Given its firmness, the Helix Wedge Pillow may provide the best mixture of cushioning and support for those who weigh over 130 pounds. The wedge shape is most conducive to back sleeping, though some also enjoy this design for side sleeping.
Shape retention, conforming, and durability are among the Helix Wedge Pillow’s greatest strengths. It should resist indentations and sagging to provide support for years to come, while also contouring enough for added comfort.
A 100-night sleep trial allows you to test whether this pillow helps improve your snoring. If you don’t find relief after 30 nights, you can return it for a refund of the purchase price. A 1-year limited warranty protects against manufacturing defects, like stains, rips, and tears.
Best Neck Support
Bear Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Bear pillows
Shop NowThe Bear Pillow’s dense foam core props up the head and neck, cushioning pressure-prone areas while helping you maintain a full airway. We also like this pillow for its superior temperature control, which is thanks to pinhole aerations in the foam and a cover woven with cooling fibers.
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Pros
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LOFT-X polyfoam cushions the head and neck without sinking or hugging too closely
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Mesh-paneled cover offers excellent breathability and cooling
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Solid foam core ensures excellent shape retention
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Cons
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Strong off-gassing smells for up to 72 hours after the pillow is unpackaged
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No returns accepted after original purchase date
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Price Range
$125 – $145
Fill
Aerated LOFT-X polyfoam
Firmness
Medium
Proper neck support is crucial if you’re trying to stop snoring — if your head hangs back too far on your pillow, this can compress your airway and increase the likelihood of snore-triggering vibrations in your throat. The Bear Pillow contains a single piece of LOFT-X, a proprietary polyfoam material that provides plush cushioning but won’t compress too deeply. This helps ensure your head is propped up high enough to reduce snoring.
The foam is ventilated with small holes to promote airflow throughout the interior. This allows the pillow to maintain a comfy core temperature. Another cooling component is the cover, which is woven with heat-dissipating Celliant fibers and equipped with mesh corner panels for extra breathability. You cannot remove or machine-wash the cover, so you’ll need to spot clean the fabric if stains or smudges occur.
Standard and king sizes are available with profiles of 5.5 and 5 inches, respectively. These are considered mid- to high-loft designs, and are best suited to side and back sleepers. Some of the stomach sleepers on our testing team also enjoyed the pillow, while others found it too thick and felt some neck strain. One quality we noticed during our tests was excellent shape retention — since the core consists of solid foam, you’ll never need to fluff the pillow.
Approachable pricing and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. make the Bear Pillow a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Keep in mind this is a final-sale item and you won’t be able to return it for a refund after the original purchase date. You will, however, receive a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Best Smart Pillow
Nitetronic Z6 Smart Anti-Snore Pillow
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Shop NowRepresenting the latest in sleep technology, the Nitetronic Z6 is a smart pillow that uses embedded sensors to track your sleep position and respiratory patterns. If snoring is detected, the pillow’s inner airbag inflates to elevate your head and neck, which in turn expands your airway. The price-point may be expensive, but the Z6 might be a worthwhile investment if snoring is negatively impacting your sleep night after night.
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Pros
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Internal airbag inflates the pillow to elevate the head and reduce snoring
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Built-in sensors detect your position and breathing patterns to determine if extra loft is needed
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Inserts can be added or removed to change the profile
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Cons
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Pillow is quite heavy and some may find it difficult to lift and move
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Sticker price is way above average
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Price
$660
Fill
Solid memory foam
Firmness
Medium
The Z6 Smart Anti-Snoring Pillow from Nitetronic goes above and beyond most of its competitors to prevent snoring. Sensors located throughout the interior monitor your breathing and the position of your head, then automatically inflate the inner airbag if you need extra loft. Memory foam inserts give the Z6 a plush, adaptive feel. You can add or remove the inserts for additional customization.
A companion app lets you view your nightly data on any smart device. Metrics include time spent asleep, how much you snore over the course of the night, and how much “intervention time” is needed from the pillow to correct your snoring. You can also use the app to customize how much “intensity” you want when the pillow detects snoring. A breathable cotton shell encases the pillow and offsets some of the heat retention from the foam inserts.
Our testing team was greatly impressed with the Nitetronic Z6’s technological capabilities. The head detection sensors work in any sleep position, even when you’re lying on your stomach, and the airbag inflates quickly when needed. There are a few drawbacks, though. At 8.2 pounds, the pillow is quite heavy and some may find it difficult to lift, move, and adjust. There is also some noise output — 26 decibels is considered whisper-quiet, but the pillow is still louder than most competing models. Ease of care is another consideration. Due to the electrical components, you won’t be able to machine-wash or dry clean the pillow.
The steep sticker price will be a dealbreaker for some people, but Nitetronic offers free ground shipping for U.S. customers. You may return the pillow unused and undamaged within 30 nights of the delivery date.
Best for Neck Pain
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
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Shop NowFully customizable to accommodate any sleep position, the Luxome LAYR lets you mix and match different inserts to nail down your ideal arrangement. People who snore can benefit from the exceptionally thick profile when most or all of the inserts are in place.
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Pros
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Customizable design with three optional inserts for changing the firmness and loft
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Breathable, moisture-wicking cover with side vents for extra airflow
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Bundle shoppers receive a 50% discount on their second pillow
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Cons
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Determining your ideal configuration may take several nights
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Foam inserts emit strong off-gassing odor after unboxing
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Price Range
$100 – $115
Fill
Down alternative, shredded gel-infused memory foam, and solid gel-infused memory foam
Firmness
Adjustable
Sleepers can minimize their snoring by using a pillow with thicker loft. Most pillows have a fixed loft that cannot be changed, but the Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow is a notable exception thanks to its adjustable design. The pillow comes with three inserts, each with a different firmness and support level. You can use one, two, or even all three inserts to bring the pillow’s loft to your optimal level.
The softest insert contains down alternative fibers that mimic the light, plush feel of real down without triggering allergies. Your purchase also includes an insert cushioned with shredded memory foam, which has a medium feel and contours evenly around the head and neck. The third insert contains two solid blocks of memory foam, one measuring 1 inch thick and the other measuring 2 inches thick. Both have a firm feel. Using two of the inserts creates a reversible pillow design with a distinct feel on each side. If you sleep on your back and frequently snore, using two or more of the inserts should provide sufficient loft.
The pillow’s cover is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry at night. The cover’s side panel features vents to promote airflow inside the pillow. You can machine wash the cover, as well as the liners encasing each insert.
The LAYR Customizable Pillow is affordably priced, given its versatile design, and those who purchase two receive a 50% discount on the second pillow. Luxome provides free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S., or you can pay an additional fee for expedited delivery. All pillow orders come with 30-night trial periods.
Best for Spinal Alignment
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
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Shop NowSweet Zzz’s Plant-Based Pillow is packed with plush, cloud-like down alternative fibers derived from botanical matter. Two lofts are available to ensure you get the elevation you need to decrease snoring without the heat retention or allergy potential of real down.
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Pros
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Down alternative fill is plush and lofty
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Available in two loft options
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Cover is breathable and moisture-wicking
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Cons
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Potentially too soft for sleepers who need a firm, supportive surface
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Frequent fluffing is needed to maintain a full shape
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Price Range
$135 – $150
Fill
Plant-based down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium
The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is a down alternative pillow with enough loft to keep your head supported while still comfortably cradling your head. Available in two lofts, the pillow ensures your head, neck, and spine are properly aligned.
The pillow is composed of a vegan down alternative fill derived from plant material, which should appeal to shoppers who enjoy the feel of down but prefer materials that are not sourced from animals or made of synthetic fibers. An inner chamber contains dense fill that creates a supportive core, while an outer chamber is composed of a plusher fill that compresses for moderate pressure relief. The cover is made of 100% cotton. You may machine wash the pillow on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on a low heat setting.
Shoppers may choose between a low or high profile. The thicker model has a 7-inch loft and is best suited for side sleepers, who benefit from pillows that fill the space between the neck and bed surface. Back sleepers will likely prefer the 5-inch model, since it supports the head without elevating it too high.
Sweet Zzz offers a 50-night sleep trial to try out the pillow at home. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S. The pillow is backed by a one-year warranty.
The Layla Kapok Pillow contains a blend of shredded memory foam and down-like fibers from the kapok tree, resulting in a balance of contouring and plushness. You can add or remove the fill as needed to create the right loft for your preferred sleep position.
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Pros
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Fully adjustable by adding or removing fill
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Copper infused cover improves cooling
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Fill consists of cushy shredded foam and downy-soft kapok fibers
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Cons
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You may need a few nights to figure out which loft level feels best
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Layla does not offer supplemental fill in bulk
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Price Range
$109 – $129
Fill
Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend
Firmness
Medium Soft
Finding a comfortable position that reduces snoring often requires determining the optimal pillow loft for you. The Layla Kapok Pillow makes that a little easier by allowing owners to customize the loft to fit their needs and preferences.
The pillow arrives overstuffed with a fill of plush memory foam and kapok tree fiber. If it is too thick for you, simply unzip the cover and remove some of the fill for a thinner pillow. Owners can continue to experiment with the loft level until they find the right balance for their snoring. The material is also highly moldable, so sleepers can also bunch and manipulate the pillow as needed.
A soft polyester and viscose blend cover with CuTEC fibers encases the fill. CuTEC is a proprietary copper fiber technology designed to wick away heat and limit odors.
While the pillow generally has a medium soft feel, it may seem plusher if you remove some of the fill. At full loft, snorers who sleep on their backs and sides are likely to get the right level of support. Stomach sleepers will likely need to remove much of the fill to prevent their heads from being pushed too far backward and potentially putting more pressure on their airways.
This pillow is a standard rectangular shape and comes in queen and king sizes. A 120-night money-back guarantee lets you return the pillow for a refund after you’ve tried it for at least two weeks. Defects like faulty seams and flattening of the fill are covered by a 5-year warranty.
How to Choose a Pillow for Snoring
Selecting a pillow for snoring requires all the normal considerations involved in finding the right pillow and some factors unique to the condition. Assessing your needs and preferences will help inform your decision.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Snoring
Sleeping position, loft, support, firmness, and other factors are some of the top things to look for when purchasing a pillow for snoring. Not only do these factors affect comfort, but they can also influence the likelihood of soft tissues vibrating during the night.
Many companies that produce pillows for snoring try to present their models as ideal for all sleepers and positions. While these options may accommodate most individuals, they won’t be optimal for everyone since personal needs and preferences vary. Weighing the unique factors that affect your sleep with specific aspects of the pillow design can help you find the best snoring pillow for you.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position can affect comfort, alignment, and snoring. Most sleepers should aim for a pillow that keeps the neck aligned since allowing the head to slump or forcing it upward could lead to more pressure on the airway and trigger snoring. Because of the force gravity has on the soft tissues in the airway, snoring is especially common for back sleepers, so some who favor this position prefer to use a wedge pillow for additional elevation.
Loft
The right pillow loft is critical to healthy spinal alignment, and it can also help with snoring. A model that is too thick might push the head up, while one that is too thin could allow the head to droop, either of which could contribute to airway constriction and increased snoring.
“Side sleepers tend to need a high-loft pillow for support and to fill the space beneath the head and neck to promote proper spinal alignment. Keep your head and neck in alignment at around 30 degrees with the help of a good pillow so your airway stays open during the night, allowing air to flow from your nose to your lungs without obstruction.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
The ideal loft depends primarily on body type and sleep position. Sleepers with broader shoulders and/or heavier heads usually need a thicker pillow to fill the space between their mattress and head and neck while providing adequate support, and those with narrower shoulders and/or smaller heads often need a thinner model for support without excessive lift.
Support
Support is essential to maintaining proper spinal alignment, and it can also play a role in snoring prevention. If the pillow goes flat under the weight of a back or side sleeper’s head, the neck may bend and cause the airway to constrict. Similarly, if the pillow is too supportive, it may force the neck to bend in the other direction, also potentially putting pressure on the soft tissues. Unfortunately, finding the right level of support is often a matter of trial and error since it can depend on the weight of your head, your sleep position, your shoulder depth, and more.
Firmness Level
The firmness level affects the pillow’s support and comfort. A firm pillow may be ideal for individuals who weigh more and need the extra support to keep their necks aligned, while a softer option may be better for smaller sleepers who need extra plushness to sink in.
You should also consider sleep position and pillow loft when assessing firmness. Side and back sleepers usually need firmer options than stomach sleepers. However, depending on the fill, an especially thick pillow may not need to be as firm to feel supportive.
Pressure Relief
While pressure relief does not significantly affect snoring, it can have a major impact on comfort. A pillow that molds to the head and neck to redistribute their weight can help prevent pressure from accumulating around any one area, which may limit aches and pains and “hot spots” from pressure buildup.
Shape
Various pillow shapes may be used as anti-snoring pillows depending on sleep position and personal preferences. Some sleepers prefer standard rectangular bed pillows, while others may benefit from a wedge-style pillow or contoured design. Wedge pillows elevate the entire upper body rather than just the head and neck, which is intended to reduce the likelihood of gravity forcing the soft tissues of the airway to compress. Ergonomic, contoured pillows are designed to support spinal alignment, and this could also limit snoring for some individuals.
Price
As with any pillow, the prices of snoring pillows vary a great deal. Budget-friendly options start at under $40, while high-end and technologically advanced options can top $150. When considering the price-point, you should also weigh the overall value. More durable options may not need to be replaced as frequently, so they may be worth it over time even if they require a higher initial investment.
Quality Materials
Pillow materials influence comfort, performance, durability, and support, so selecting a model constructed of quality materials can make a big difference in the sleep experience. Those made of lower-quality components often cost less, but it may be worth spending extra for a high-quality anti-snore pillow if it is likely to be more effective, feel more comfortable, and/or last longer. Since allergic reactions can contribute to snoring, allergy sufferers may also want to weigh the ease of care and allergy potential of any materials in the pillow.
Moldability
Moldability refers to how easy it is to manipulate the shape of the pillow. Some snorers may prefer to bunch up their pillow to fit comfortably under their head and neck and accommodate any sleep position they choose. However, this may also require more effort during the night to find the right shape to keep the spine aligned and limit airway compression.
Temperature Regulation
While little research examines the effects of temperature on snoring, many experts believe sleeping in a cooler room is beneficial. Similarly, finding a pillow that regulates temperatures well can reduce the likelihood of the sleeper overheating and trying to reposition to find the cool side of the pillow. Breathable models usually provide strong temperature control by allowing heat to escape. Some advanced components, like phase change material and gel-infused foam, also purport cooling effects.
What Pillow Styles are Best for Snoring?
The best pillow style for snoring will depend on your sleep position and personal preferences, but wedge pillows, ergonomic models, adjustable options, and memory foam varieties often top the list.
Wedge: Wedge pillows get their name from their distinctive wedge-like shape. These models are typically constructed of foam and designed to elevate the upper body, which is thought to limit soft tissue compression that leads to snoring and relieve sinus pressure by allowing drainage.
Adjustable: Adjustable options allow users to modify the loft and/or firmness of their pillow based on their personal needs and preferences. These models may be beneficial for snorers since they provide the opportunity to experiment with different feels to see what works best. Additionally, if symptoms change over time, the owner can adjust their pillow accordingly.
Memory Foam: Solid memory foam pillows respond to the sleeper’s heat and weight to mold to their head and neck. This may help sleepers maintain the natural banana-like curvature of the neck, which could in turn reduce the likelihood of poor posture contributing to throat vibrations.
Shredded memory foam pillows are also available. These options tend to be more moldable than solid memory foam, but they’re less likely to retain their shape for consistent support throughout the night.
Polyfoam: Like memory foam pillows, polyfoam models may contain either shredded or solid material. The shredded options typically perform better in moldability and the solid options generally earn higher marks for shape retention. Since polyfoam tends to be more breathable than memory foam, it may be a good option for snorers concerned about overheating. However, lower-quality polyfoam options may be more prone to developing lasting indentations that limit the pillow’s ability to keep the spine aligned.
Latex: A latex pillow may use either shredded or solid latex foam. Since latex tends to be relatively dense, either option should be durable and supportive, though shredded models will likely be more moldable. Natural latex is resistant to dust mites, a frequent allergy trigger, so pillows made of the material may be ideal for those who snore due to their allergy symptoms.
Feather: Feather pillows are often both moldable and supportive, which may make it easier for snorers to find a comfortable position that limits snoring. However, some feather pillows may harbor allergens, so they might not be ideal if you suspect allergies are contributing to your snoring.
Down: Down is a softer, lighter type of feather that has a plush feel and exceptional moldability. Like feathers, however, down models could trigger allergy symptoms for some individuals, potentially aggravating snoring.
What Causes Snoring?
There are several possible causes of snoring. While the root cause is a vibration of the tissues in the airway, this can be triggered by muscle relaxation, allergies, and certain physical ailments, like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and/or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If a condition could cause inflammation or narrowing of the airway, it could also likely lead to snoring.
Age and weight are also often linked to snoring. As an individual gets older, the throat muscles may relax more overnight, leading to sonorous vibrations. Carrying extra weight could also be linked to less muscle tone and more tissue around the neck, which may increase the likelihood of snoring.
Other more controllable aspects could also contribute to snoring. Many people snore more when sleeping on their backs because gravity may make the throat more likely to narrow. Alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant, so consuming it may cause the airway to relax and contribute to more snoring. Additionally, smoking could irritate the airway and trigger inflammation that could cause the throat to vibrate.
Many snorers find relief with the right pillow since it can change their position. Lifting the head and neck often makes gravity work in the sleeper’s favor, allowing their throat muscles to relax without blocking the airway.
We want you to get the best night’s sleep possible, which can be done under a medical professional’s guidance. Talk to your doctor for help determining the cause of your snoring and charting a course of action.
Other Tips for Reducing Snoring
Pillow choice can be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce the severity of snoring, but there are other options. The following tips may be used in addition to selecting the right pillow for you.
Ask Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes abnormal breathing during sleep, and snoring is a common sign of the disorder. A sleeper may temporarily stop breathing, which can lower the body’s oxygen supply and lead to less restful slumber. This condition can have serious health impacts, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine whether you suffer from sleep apnea and what should be done to protect your health.
Use an Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece: Anti-snoring mouthpieces are designed to reduce snoring by either holding the lower jaw or tongue forward to prevent them from falling back and putting pressure on the airway. Most of these devices are sold over the counter, but you may want to consult with your doctor to see if they’re a good option for you.
Sleep on Your Side: If you’re a back sleeper, repositioning to your side may help limit snoring. This position makes the tongue and lower jaw less likely to fall towards the back and press on the airway, so many individuals snore less when sleeping on their sides than on their backs. If you struggle to stay on your side, a body pillow positioned behind you might help prevent you from inadvertently returning to back sleeping.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption: Alcohol can relax the muscles, while tobacco can cause throat irritation, both of which could lead to vibrations in the airway. Limiting or eliminating your use of alcohol and/or tobacco may help reduce snoring.
Use an Adjustable Bed: Lifting the upper body can often relieve snoring by reducing pressure on the airway. While this can be done with the right pillow, an adjustable bed is another great option that allows you to experiment with what position works best for you.
Our guide details some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pillow for snoring and highlights some top picks, but we know you may still have some lingering uncertainties. We’ll answer some of the most common questions shoppers have while shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pillows for Snoring
A wedge pillow may help reduce snoring for some sleepers. They lift the upper part of the body so that the soft tissues are less likely to block passages due to posture, thereby limiting vibrations. While wedge pillows may not be effective for all individuals depending on the cause of their snoring, many sleepers find them helpful.
Sleep position often affects snoring. When sleeping on the back, the tongue and lower jaw can recede and put pressure on the airway, so back sleepers are often especially prone to snoring. If you want to see if your snoring is affected by your sleep position, try repositioning onto your side to see if it continues.
Snoring is very common, affecting approximately 57% of men and 40% of women. These numbers may be even higher for older individuals.
Since snoring is so widespread, anti-snoring pillows are available from most retailers that sell pillows, including department stores, home goods retailers, and mattress stores. You can also frequently buy anti-snoring pillows directly through the manufacturer.
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